“I am grateful to each and every one of our nurses, clinicians and even engineers, who often give up their own time to do this life-changing work.

“The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have an incredible record of bringing about substantial change in the world’s poorest countries, empowering them to improve their life chances in a range of ways, from improving healthcare and combating infectious diseases to increasing access to education.

“It is fantastic that they are interested in hearing about the work that Scotland is also doing.”

Also in town, UK International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt announced a £90m funding package for disease-resistant “super crops”.

And she pledged £4m to the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health based in Edinburgh and Nairobi.

The joint venture by Edinburgh University, Scotland’s Rural College and international research organisation CGIAR works on livestock health and productivity in tropical climates.

“New ideas, cutting-edge science and innovative partnerships with organisations like the Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation will help Britain create a healthier, more secure and prosperous world for us all,” Ms Mordaunt said.